Manhattan restaurant owners are facing significant challenges following the implementation of congestion pricing in the city. The new charges, which range from $9 to $21.60 per vehicle entering Manhattan below 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., have led to increased prices for food deliveries and potential job losses due to reduced transportation options.
Many restaurants rely on staff members who live in outlying areas with limited public transit options, forcing them to drive into the city or take expensive Uber rides to work. With the introduction of congestion pricing, these additional costs are being passed down to consumers, making it harder for restaurants to remain competitive.
Baldor Distributors, which supplies around 3,000 Manhattan restaurants, expects to pay an estimated $250,000 to $500,000 per year in increased trucking fees. Restaurants like Le Bernardin and Gramercy Tavern have already seen delays in deliveries due to the new regulations.
Industry leaders are urging Governor Hochul to reconsider the congestion pricing policy for food vendors based in the city, citing concerns about job security and access to essential supplies. A recent letter signed by hundreds of New York food businesses, including restaurant groups and suppliers, argues that out-of-state operators already pay a tax that contributes to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s budget.
While some restaurants, like Dirt Candy, support the goals of congestion pricing, they also acknowledge the need for exemptions or additional support for small businesses. With delivery times expected to increase and costs rising, Manhattan restaurants are bracing for an uncertain future under the new policy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/11/dining/congestion-pricing-restaurants.html